Chelsea’s on-loan star Conor Gallagher said he has had some advice from the legendary Claude Makelele himself during his loan spells in the Championship.
The 20-year-old spent the first half of the season at Charlton, before joining another Swansea for the rest of the campaign.
So far, he has bagged six goals and seven assists — impressive numbers for a midfielder — from 44 league appearances for both Charlton and Swansea.
Makelele now works as a technical mentor for young players.
He told the Sun: “Because I’m only 20, I was too young to remember watching Claude — but he is such a legend and it’s great to have someone like him, who played in my position, helping me.
“He watches my games and gives lots of great advice. He has given tips on when I’m receiving the ball in midfield to always be scanning and look forward.
“And then there will be stuff when they have the ball and we’re pressing them — he’ll explain and show me the right way to press.”
Last season’s Chelsea academy player of the year said he wants to follow the footsteps of fellow Chelsea academy graduates who have had their breakthrough season in the Premier League under Frank Lampard.
Although he understands that next season might be too soon for him considering Lampard still has Mount, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ross Barkley, Mateo Kovacic, and N’Golo Kante as his options for the centre-midfielder role.
“A season in the Championship served the likes of Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori well — and I’ve always dreamed of playing for Chelsea,” he said.
“If they don’t want me next season, hopefully I get another good loan move, keep playing, continue developing and prove to Chelsea I’m good enough to play there.”
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